Sedona Sunrise Intimate Wedding
Aleata + Cameron had a beautiful morning wedding in Sedona with all of their closest friends and family. They rented a short-term rental with the best view of Cathedral Rock and woke up before the sun to have a private moment just before walking down the aisle. They really got the best of both worlds on their elopement day- adventurous sunrise private vows and an intimate ceremony with all their family and friends.
Sunrise Hiking Elopement
We started the hike in the dark- just as the sun was starting to rise above the mountains. We quickly made it to the top of Cathedral Rock and then Aleata + Cameron found separate hidden spots to get dressed into their wedding attire. Once they were dressed, they had their first look. Cameron started to tear up when he first saw Aleata, which then made her tear up! It was so special.
Then. they walked out onto the ledge to read their vows. Usually at this spot, there are plenty of other hikers, so I don’t always recommend the ledge for vows, but if you’re lucky enough to be the only ones there- I say take advantage of it. It’s the best view to read your vows.
Cathedral Rock Elopement
Aleata + Cameron not only lucked out on having the view to themselves for a little bit, but they also got to see the hot air balloons rise in the distance! It was such a clear day- between the blue skies, warm sun, and the hot air balloons in the distance, it really couldn’t have been a more perfect morning.
We took a few more bridals and then adventured to another cool, hidden spot at Cathedral Rock for some more photos. This spot was SO quiet. All you could hear in the background were the birds chirping. It’s not always like this, so they definitely lucked out here too! If you’re thinking about eloping at Cathedral Rock, make sure you check out my How to Elope at Cathedral Rock Guide.
Sunrise Sedona Elopement
After their bridal photos, we started to hike back down the mountain for a few more photos. We found a secluded spot off the trail where most people wouldn’t see them. At this time, the shuttle had started and lots more hikers had started their climb, so finding this spot was perfect.
Sedona Intimate Wedding Ceremony
After the hike, we headed back to their vacation rental for their official ceremony with all of their friends and family. When we got there, they had a full breakfast buffet setup with donuts, waffles, bloody mary’s, mimosas, fruit, pastries, etc. It all looked amazing and as all the guests started to arrive, they enjoyed all the good food and drinks with the perfect view of Cathedral Rock from the deck.
Before they walked down the aisle, Aleata had some time with her Mom and Cameron’s Mom while she touched up her hair and makeup and her mom helped her get back in her dress.
Then it was time for the ceremony. Aleata’s Dad walked her down the aisle and even though they thought they got all their tears out on the top of Cathedral, this moment with their friends and family, brought them all back. They had the sweetest ceremony and everyone was so happy to witness them say “I do.”
After the ceremony, they celebrated with some family photos and popped some champagne! Then, they had their first dance and even danced with their parents. It was such a special morning.
Scroll down to see more photos from their day or head over to my Youtube and check out their elopement video! Click Here to Watch Aleata + Cameron Elopement Video
Elopement Thoughts From The Couple
Why did you choose to elope?
“Cam and I really wanted to have a small intimate day with one another. We also decided to elope because of the anxiety and stress that came with planning a big day. We realized that all that mattered was us and how we felt going into our day!”
How was your elopement?
“Our day was perfect. It started at 4:30 AM with a sunrise hike to Cathedral rock. The trail was newly renovated and beautiful. Once we got to the top of the mountain, we changed and did our first look. That moment was magical. We also did private vows which were my personal favorite. As we hiked down, we went to our AirBnb where we met up with our loved ones for our intimate ceremony. We felt like we were on cloud nine. Everything about the day felt like a dream that we want to replay over and over again. (Which we can, because of our amazing video that Karen created for us.)”
Do you have any regrets about your elopement?
“No regrets other than not having our full day captured!”
What advice do you have for future couples looking to elope?
“DO IT! It was the best decision we ever made, it saved us the stress of planning a big wedding and made it 1000000x more intimate!”
Review from Aleata + Cameron
“We are beyond grateful for Karen! Not only is her work incredible, but she is incredible. After months wedding planning, we decided to turn our big wedding, into an intimate ceremony with family. We reached out to Karen via her website and immediately fell in love with her work and client experience. As a couple, all we wanted was to elope amongst family/friends and enjoy our day without stress. Reaching out to Karen was the best thing we could have done because our day was truly STRESS FREE and a DREAM COME TRUE. She took everything that we talked about during our planning calls and turned them into reality.
Our pictures and video turned out better than we could have ever imagined. Her creativity captured some of our most precious moments that we will cherish forever.
Karen, we can’t thank you enough for being a part of our special day! You are incredibly talented, creative, and a true joy to work with.”
Sedona Sunrise Intimate Wedding Timeline
5:30 am Start hike
6:15 am Arrive at the view and change into wedding attire
6:30 am First Look
6:35 am Private Vows
6:45 am Sunrise Bridal Portraits
7:30 am Hike to 2nd location for photos
8:00 am Hike back to trailhead and head back to airbnb
8:30 am Approx arrival at trailhead
8:45 am Arrive at airbnb- have breakfast, mimosas, and bloody mary’s, enjoy time with guests as they arrive
9:30 am Touch up hair/make up with family members
10:00 am Ceremony at airbnb
10:30 am Family photos
11:00 am Pop champagne with guests
11:15 am First dance
11:20 am Father daughter dance
11:25 am Mother son dance
11:30 am End Photos
Vendors
Vacation Rental + Ceremony: Sedona Wed
Sedona, AZ Elopement Photographer
Hope you loved this Sunrise Intimate Wedding in Sedona as much as I did! Aleata + Cameron’s Arizona wedding was an absolute dream to document! If you’re thinking about eloping like these two did be sure and check out my full guide on How to Elope in Sedona, Arizona!
To make your elopement experience a breeze, start by booking an experienced Sedona photographer! Hiring a local who knows all the ins and out of eloping in Arizona can be SO helpful. I have done countless hours of research and location scouting for my clients, and can offer help in the planning process before your elopement day!
More Sedona, Arizona Elopement Inspiration
If you’re wanting to elope in Sedona, be sure and also check out these Sedona Weddings and Elopements I’ve photographed!
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